My Elephant
on Goodreads (250)
What’s inside...
Both funny and sweet, this intergenerational story trumpets one boy's boundless imagination -- and shows how truly infectious it can be. (Age 3 and up) What to do when Grandpa and Grandma are too busy to play? Ask your imaginary elephant, of course! He's tons of fun, even if he squashes the flower bed, breaks a few things around the house, and gets a little too splashy in the bathtub. But Grandpa and Grandma will understand -- really. With his trademark vibrant, energetic illustrations, Petr Horáček introduces us to a delightfully enterprising child, some wisely laid-back grandparents, and the most endearing elephant you'll ever want to meet.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy feels when he's with his elephant? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What do you think makes the elephant special to the boy?
Why do you think the boy’s parents can't see the elephant? What does this tell us about imagination?
How do you think the story would change if everyone could see the elephant?
What would you do if you had an imaginary friend like the elephant? What adventures would you go on?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to relate their own feelings and experiences to those of the boy in the story.
Highlight the theme of friendship and imagination by discussing the relationship between the boy and his elephant.
Use the parents’ inability to see the elephant as a conversation starter about the nature of real versus imaginary.
Encourage creative thinking by asking the child to imagine their own invisible friend and the adventures they could have together.
Reinforce the reading experience by revisiting favorite parts of the book and discussing why those parts stood out.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'My Elephant,' the child protagonist imagines having an elephant as a friend who understands and shares his feelings. This evokes a sense of empathy and mutual emotional support.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and share emotions with friends and family, fostering deeper connections and support systems in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The story showcases a child using his imagination to create a fantastical friend and adventures, highlighting the importance of creativity in mental and emotional development.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their own imagination to invent stories or scenarios, which can enhance their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: As the protagonist interacts with his imaginary elephant, themes of friendship, loyalty, and trust are explored, emphasizing relational values.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being a loyal and trustworthy friend in real life, promoting positive social interactions and relationships.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loneliness
Explanation: The imaginary elephant serves as a companion when the child feels lonely, illustrating a way to cope with feelings of isolation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to find healthy emotional outlets and self-soothing strategies when experiencing loneliness or solitude.
Example Lesson: Joy in Sharing
Explanation: The child shares his experiences and adventures with the elephant, showing the enjoyment and bond that comes from sharing one’s life and imaginations with others.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to share their own stories and experiences with others, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.